“She said you were the fun one.”
“Have you met Cooper? It’s not really hard to outshine that surly bear.”
She laughs, and this time I get to see her smile. Fuck, she’s gorgeous.
“Hey Selma, they’re ready for you,” Juno says from the doorway, interrupting our moment.
“Be right there,” Selma says and then turns to look at me as she stands up. “Thanks for the cake.”
I want to pull her back down on the bench or even into my lap. But all I can do is sit there while she walks away and plan how to get her alone once more.
Chapter Three
Selma
“You okay?” Juno asks as we make our way back inside.
“I’m fine.”
“Fine, you say?” She fights a teasing smile. “That blush says otherwise.”
I put my hands on my warm cheeks, trying to get it to go away. What the hell is wrong with me?
“Don’t worry about it.” Juno rolls her eyes. “Luca is smooth. He could get a statue to blush if he wanted to. He could probably talk anyone into just about anything.”
I have to force a laugh, not really liking the sound of that. It might be terrible of me to think, but when someone is a smooth talker, I always think they’re up to no good
“He was introducing himself. We hadn't gotten to formally meet.”
“Damn, I suppose you haven't. The man can’t sit still to save his life.”
“He seems driven.” I might have done a small Google search on him with my phone.
He’s come a long way in a short amount of time, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed. That kind of determination reminds me a lot of my brother. I hope he doesn't let that drive suck the life out of him and he forgets some things are more important than money. I’m thankful Lux came along and reminded Bastian of that.
“That he is,” Juno agrees.
Bastian is standing on the edge of the dance floor waiting for me. “Can I have this dance?”
He holds his hand out for me, and I take it, and we walk hand in hand onto the dance floor. He spins me around a few times before doing a dramatic dip that has me laughing right before he pulls me back up.
“I wish Mom were here,” I blurt out. “She’d be so damn proud of you.” Bastian’s done everything he set out to do and so much more, she would truly be bursting with pride at this very moment.
“It’s because of Mom we’re here.”
I nod and smile as I try and hold back the tears. “Are you going to make me an aunt soon? I need to be prepared. I think Juno is going to try and give me a run for my money on being the favorite aunt.”
“I wouldn't worry about it. Selma, you always get whatever you’re working toward.”
“I got that from you.”
Bastian has been there for me in a big way, and I wish I could have done the same for him. I was young and lost in my grief after our mom died. He had to shoulder it alone and take care of me, and looking back, I didn’t always make it easy.
He spins me again, and this time he releases my hand as Luca wraps his arm around my waist. Before I know what’s happening, I’m in Luca’s arms, and he’s taking over the dance.
“You again,” I say, and it comes out like an accusation as I rest my hand on his chest. Are all the men in Pink Spring built like lumberjacks?
“I can be a hard one to get away from, and I get the feeling you keep trying to run.”
“Why would I do that?” I ask, not answering him.
Of course I was trying to get away from him. When Juno called for me, I seized the moment before something happened between Luca and me. I think we’d been flirting, but that might just be the way he is. Either way, it was safer to get some space between us.
“A question with a question is not an answer.” He pulls me closer to him so there is no space between us. I try to keep my face unreadable, because right now I can feel every inch of him pressing against me. He’s turned on, and I have no idea what to do with that.
Luca is easily the hottest man in the room. I’ve seen women here fawning over him and giggling like teenagers when he’s close. He could have his pick of them, but here he is with me. I’m the one with frizzy hair that’s more awkward than not, and I’m not exactly friendly either.
“You and your brother are close,” he says, not asking but making a statement.
“Yes, but I’m sure you and your siblings get it, though, since you lost your parents too.”